The Cot to Big Bed Transition

There is nothing cuter than seeing your toddler in a bed for the first time. Moving your not so little baby to a big bed can be an exciting time, but don’t rush into it or you might find your evening down time and naps become a power struggle or you get a frequent overnight visitor popping up beside your bed.

Hot Tip Number One: 2.5 - 3 is key

Wait until your child is at least 2.5-3 years old if possible. The closer a child gets to 3 the easier they are to reason with (not easy, just easier!). Around 2.5-3 years children develop impulse control which means they have the ability to stay in their cot. Prior to this their impulse control is very limited and they can’t help but get out of their new bed again and again, and again. Despite all your good intentions and efforts, they still think it’s a funny joke.

Safety First

If your child is climbing out of the cot and it’s a safety issue, you will need to move them to a bed sooner. In this instance I recommend a baby gate on the door as a visual cue to help them understand to stay in bed.

The 3 Week Grace Period

Often you will get a 2-4 week “period of grace” before your little one discovers they can get out of their bed. So often I hear parents say “she was so good in the beginning”, and they wonder what has happened. They have just discovered they can get out now and it's fun – it’s that simple.

Here’s some tips for a smooth transition

1. Get a sleep trainer clock, so they know when they are allowed to get out of bed.

2. Set up some expectations. Decide on your expectations surrounding bedtime and make them clear to your toddler on the first day. Keep all discussion positive, fun and exciting. My favourite expectations for that age group are:

• stay in bed

• close your eyes

• get up when the clock turns yellow

Try not to say “don’t get out of bed”, because all they hear is “get out of bed”. Their little ears miss the “don’t”.

3. Hold your boundaries. For example “if you get out Mummy & Daddy will put you back to bed”. If they do get out of bed, enforce your boundary and stay consistent in your approach with returning them to bed. Remember we are dealing with 2 year old's here. Give them an inch and they will take a mile!

4. Praise, praise, praise. If they stay in bed let them know how proud you are in the morning.

The transition is likely to be more successful when there are no other big changes going on. For example the arrival of a new sibling, moving house, or changing daycare.

If you need any more strategies and guidance for the move, or you are having trouble since you have moved your little one to their big bed book a free 10 minute call with me to see how I can help.

Alana x

Baby Sleep Consultant NZ. Making Baby and Toddler Sleep Easy.